Steal Me (NYPD's Finest)
by Lauren Layne
My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0
IN HOT PURSUIT
Being a cop might be in Anthony Moretti's blood, but protecting and serving the city of New York has always been more than just the family business. If that means his love life stays locked up, well then that's just another sacrifice made in the line of duty. That is, until he sets eyes on the gorgeous new waitress at The Darby Diner and suddenly Anthony's morning coffee is leaving him a whole lot more hot and bothered than usual.
Though waitressing at The Darby isn't exactly Maggie Walker's dream job, it pays the bills and gives her time to work on her novel. Now if only she could stop fantasizing about gorgeous Anthony Moretti every time he sits down at her table, she'd really be in great shape. But when he needs her help identifying a criminal threatening The Darby-and Maggie recognizes her ex-husband-she fears her fresh start might be a pipe dream. Faster than a New York minute, Maggie and Anthony find themselves in one perilous pursuit that only gets hotter with each and every rule-breaking kiss.
by Lauren Layne
- File Size: 582 KB
- Print Length: 352 pages
- Publisher: Forever (November 24, 2015)
- ASIN: B00U6DNY7W
My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0
IN HOT PURSUIT
Being a cop might be in Anthony Moretti's blood, but protecting and serving the city of New York has always been more than just the family business. If that means his love life stays locked up, well then that's just another sacrifice made in the line of duty. That is, until he sets eyes on the gorgeous new waitress at The Darby Diner and suddenly Anthony's morning coffee is leaving him a whole lot more hot and bothered than usual.
Though waitressing at The Darby isn't exactly Maggie Walker's dream job, it pays the bills and gives her time to work on her novel. Now if only she could stop fantasizing about gorgeous Anthony Moretti every time he sits down at her table, she'd really be in great shape. But when he needs her help identifying a criminal threatening The Darby-and Maggie recognizes her ex-husband-she fears her fresh start might be a pipe dream. Faster than a New York minute, Maggie and Anthony find themselves in one perilous pursuit that only gets hotter with each and every rule-breaking kiss.
Review:
Maggie enjoys serving food to the Moretti family who visit The Darby restaurant. They are warm and friendly towards her – except Anthony. When he isn’t scowling at her for spilling drink or food on him, he is gruffly reminding her to call him “Captain”. Maggie doesn’t want to spend years waitressing, but right now it pays the bills as she writes her first novel. She is recovering from her divorce to her shiftless ex-husband, Eddie. Her efforts to save have also been tapped by her alcoholic father and wastrel brother. Maggie has a history of letting men in her life ‘use her’, leaching money, as well as emotions.
Anthony is focused on following in his father’s footsteps all the way to Police Commissioner. He has recently been promoted to Captain but has run into a stumbling block of a crime spree. A petty thief is roaming town stealing minor items and leaving his calling card – a smiley sticker. Anthony is frustrated by the frequency of the thefts especially as the media hypes up how the robber, known as ‘Smiley’, is eluding the police.
Anthony and Maggie are at arm’s length until she spots a sketch of the thief in the papers he is studying over lunch. Maggie recognizes that face and presents the best lead in the case.
Maggie is the only informant on his top case and Anth knows he should be staying away from her. Besides, Anthony has reason to think his work and a relationship can never mix. Too bad emotions and attraction don’t always stay logically in control. The case heats up and so does their relationship. Maggie wants to help, but doesn’t want to just be used for the case. Is there any way to avoid a crash for Anth and a heartbreak for Maggie?
I enjoyed the tone of this novel from the very beginning. You could tell that Maggie and Anthony are characters who would dance away from each other until something brings them together. Ms. Layne does a great job of mixing the chemistry and building the tension. The mystery develops strength alongside the reluctant relationship. Ultimately there are two pretty heavy sexual encounters but they were nicely done with a lot of steam, and no real crassness.
The large Moretti family make for great secondary characters and I would anticipate stories for each of the other siblings. This is the second book after Frisk Me, the story for Luc. I would be interested in reading more novels by Ms. Layne. I recommend this title to readers who enjoy sexy romance with great build up and a sound plot as a foundation.
I received this title through NetGalley for tour review and feature for Forever Romance.
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About Lauren Layne
A long-time romance reader, Lauren Layne thinks the only thing better than reading about happy endings is writing them. She now pursues a full-time career in Happily Ever After, a job she's naturally suited for after marrying her high school sweetheart. A bit of a nomad, Lauren's lived everywhere from Orange County to Manhattan, and currently lives in the Seattle-area. Her hobbies include coffee by day, wine by night, and lots of writing in between. She's also a total website nerd and insists you check out laurenlayne.com!
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